Activities & Attractions in County Down

Things to do in County Down

The very geography of County Down offers variety in itself. There’s the Mourne mountains sweeping down to the sea. There’s Strangford Lough, the largest lough of its kind in Britain and Ireland. The Ards Peninsula has a sea-bitten flavour all of its own. Head inland, into Bronte Country, and everything changes as rock and sand quickly give way to farmland and woods.

It’s no surprise then that there’s also a wide variety of things to do and see in County Down.

Family fun never grows old here

Start with one of Northern Ireland’s most popular, fun-filled attractions. The Let’s Go Hydro Aqua Park just outside Belfast is packed with all kinds of activities, from open water swimming to waterslides, cable water sports, aqua rugby, tubing, wakeboarding and paddle-boarding. They’ve on-site glamping facilities, meaning you can make a weekend of it too.

Clearsky Adventure Centre at Old Castle Ward on the shores of Strangford Lough is another place where the sky’s the limit when it comes to things to do. Set amidst the remains of a medieval fortress, where scenes from both Vikings and Game of Thrones® were filmed, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. Axe throwing or archery? Cycling or coasteering? Sea safari or star-gazing from a glamping pod? You couldn’t make it all up and, fortunately, you don’t have to because it’s all there waiting for you.

The jewel in the crown – Hillsborough Castle

(Access is only available to the gardens and café during the winter. The Castle reopens in the spring).

Hillsborough Castle is one of the official Royal Palaces and is well worth visiting. It was built in Georgian style and splendour by Wills Hill and is beautifully set in 100 acres of well-tended parkland and gardens. A guided tour of the castle will trace the history of the palace as you move from one opulent room to another, including the magnificent State Rooms, the Red Room and Throne Room. Outside, you’re able to wander the grounds, discovering the restored Walled Garden, Lost Garden and a myriad of winding avenues, paths and lawns. After all that, head for the on-site cafe and gift shop, which are almost reasons to visit in themselves.

From a palace to a castle

Castle Ward, facing Strangford Lough, also offers another face to the world. It was in fact built in two contrasting styles. Why? Because the couple who built it, Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor, and his wife, Ann, simply couldn’t agree on the style and décor - and we’re not talking white or magnolia paint here! To compromise, the half of the castle facing the lough is built and decorated in an elaborate Gothic style, while the half facing inland is in a classical Palladian style. If that alone gives you a taste for the place, just wait until you get there. Apart from the house itself, there’s a stable yard which featured heavily in Game of Thrones®, plus cycling, walking, archery, horse-riding and acres of immaculately planted and tended grounds to explore.

Grand indoors to great outdoors – Mournes, Newcastle and more

After all that grandeur, get out and clear your head in the Mourne Mountains, which are perfect for hiking, criss-crossed as they are with countless walking trails and conveniently-placed car parks. Many of the accessible trails and paths will at some point lead you down into Silent Valley or up the slopes of Slieve Donard, or both. Either way, the Mournes make for a breath-taking outdoors experience. Even stepping off a trail to admire the panoramic views across the glittering Irish sea feels like an event in itself. Look out for the Cooley peninsula to the south, the Isle of Man to the north-east, with Mount Snowdon in Wales visible through binoculars on the clearest of days.

It’s a short hop from here to the popular seaside town of Newcastle, with its long silver strand, Royal County Down championship golf course, iconic Slieve Donard hotel and the usual seaside attractions for kids of all ages.

Another option worth exploring is the water, and there’s a lot of it to go around in these parts. Strangford Lough is both immense and intimate at the same time, with harbours, villages, marinas, slipways and quays dotted along its coastline. It’s a great place to take a kayak out for a few hours exploring the many islands, with hire shops and instructors always nearby.

Refuel, revive and imbibe as you explore

County Down plays host to a number of microbreweries, and if craft beer, local gins or homemade wines are of interest, we recommend you add a few of the following to your itinerary.

Shortcross Gin Distillery in Downpatrick, and the Echlinville Distillery out on the Ards peninsula are but a few of the brewers and distillers leading the way in our burgeoning craft drink revival. Each is worth a visit to take in the setting, learn about the perfection of the process, sample the wonderful products, and even take a souvenir - or a bottle - home with you too.

That’s just a whistle-stop tour of some of the highlights of this varied and vibrant county. Hopefully you’ll have found plenty of inspiration above, with more below – so get planning and away you go!

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Mourne Trails & Ales Tour

Castlewellan

Address

Main Street, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink Courses

Get a taste of the outdoors, local history and the finest craft brews.

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Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft

Downpatrick

Address

Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 9BL

Telephone
+44 (0)28 4410 3104

hello@finnebroguewoods.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Step into the wild with an expert bushman. Do you have the skills to survive in the wild? Do you know what’s good to eat in the woods and how to find it? It’s time to find out. Join one of Finnebrogue’s bushcraft or foraging experiences and put…

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The Down Gaelic Games Experience – Gaelic Games & Craic

Downpatrick

Address

Denvir's Coaching Inn, 14-16 English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7779 799 992

infogaacraic@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Experience Days

Meet two Down GAA All-Ireland-winning legends as they take you through your paces for a day you’ll never forget and show you the ways and history of the GAA, with plenty of laughs included for good measure.

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Sunrise SUP & Island Yoga Experience

Killinchy

Address

Braddock Reach, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PY

Telephone
+44 (0) 7909 721 898

strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Health & Wellbeing

Limber up as the sun comes up. Glide across the peaceful waters of Strangford Lough at dawn and greet the day ahead with a guided yoga flow.

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Glide with the Tide Experience

Killinchy

Address

Mobile Team Adventure, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 6695

info@mobileteamadventure.co.uk

Price
Price £89.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Taking out a kayak is beautiful way to explore Strangford Lough, and with John Hubbucks as your guide you're in for a rewarding and unique experience that will be remembered for all the right reasons.

Price
Price £89.00 Activity

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Cranfield Alpacas Experience

Kilkeel

Address

35-37 Cranfield Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4LJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7568 537 779

enquiries@cranfieldalpacas.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Feel the stresses and strains of daily life vanish in the presence of beautiful animals and majestic scenery of the Mourne Mountains.

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Shortcross Gin Discovery & Tour Experience

Crossgar

Address

65 Church Road, Crossgar, County Down, BT30 9HR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4483 0001

events@shortcrossgin.com

Price
Price £49.95 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Brewery/Distillery Tour

Art, craft and history blend together at Shortcross Distillery, to create an unforgettable experience on the beautiful grounds of Rademon Estate. Join founders Fiona and David to learn about their award-winning gin, which also happens to be Northern…

Price
Price £49.95 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
St Patrick's Way Camino Walk and Lunch

Downpatrick

Address

The Saint Patrick Centre, Saint Patrick’s Square, Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 9000

Price
Price £45.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Join a pilgrimage themed around Saint Patrick in Downpatrick, County Down, with your talented guides former Adoration Sisters Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly, for a walk along Ireland's own Camino.

Price
Price £45.00 Activity

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Jewellery Making Experience with NI Silver

Holywood

Address

Holywood, County Down

Telephone
+44 (0)7879 698 286

ruth@nisilver.com

Price
Price £90.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Based in Holywood, County Down, NI Silver welcomes you to connect with a centuries-old tradition, through which you'll learn a new skill whilst creating your own unique piece of jewellery.

Dates

From:
25 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
From:
3 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00

Price
Price £90.00 Activity

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Men of the Mournes

Warrenpoint

Address

56 Burren Road, Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3SA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7974768831

peter@walkthemournes.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Join expert mountain guide Peter Rafferty as he stretches your imagination - and your legs - as you discover the sights and sounds of this special mountain range.

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Killowen Distillery Tour & Tasting

Rostrevor

Address

Kilfeaghan Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7727 747 949

info@killowendistillery.com

Type

Type:

Brewery/Distillery Tour

Located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, Killowen Distillery has a ‘Kult’ following and an epic history, due in no small part to its great whiskeys and gins.

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Hinch Distillery Tours

Ballynahinch

Address

19 Carryduff Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT27 6TZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9279 1180

reception@hinchdistillery.com

Type

Type:

Brewery/Distillery Tour

A tour at Hinch Distillery is not just an exploration of history, production and their bold range of triple distilled whiskeys; it’s an invitation to sit and learn from the characters that bring it to life through an immersive sensory journey.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Handmade to Last

Banbridge

Address

32 Mount Ida Road, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 4HF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9269 3691

mountidapottery@aol.com

Price
Price £75.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Get in touch with your inner ceramicist in a beautiful rural pottery.
Mount Ida Pottery is a purpose-built pottery studio, surrounded by the Dromara Hills in a beautiful rural setting. Much of the pottery’s output is inspired by the local…

Price
Price £75.00 Activity

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
416 reviews
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Royal Hillsborough

Address

Main Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 333 320 6000

info@hrp.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic House / Palace

Explore Northern Ireland's royal residence, where worlds and minds meet. Relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens, explore the State Rooms still used today and indulge in delicious food and drink in our café.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
A Taste of Castle Ward

Strangford

Address

Castle Ward, Park Road, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4488 1204

sarah.burch@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

If all nature is a larder, then the shelves at Castle Ward are especially well-stocked. Join expert forager Clare McQuillan on a walk through the National Trust's Castle Ward estate to explore its seasonal abundance of wild food. It’s a magical…

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Dancing at the Crossroads

Downpatrick

Address

Down Cathedral, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4483 1043

Josephine@idanceirish.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Get involved in this high-octane experience celebrating the centuries-old traditions of Irish dancing. Join Josephine Brennan King, a former principal Irish dancer for Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, for a fun-filled interactive experience…

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Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - Guided Tour of Gardens

Royal Hillsborough

Address

Main Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 333 320 6000

info@hrp.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

As a current Royal Residence, Hillsborough Castle showcases beautiful rooms and glorious gardens and gives an intimate glimpse behind the scenes into the personal living quarters of a working royal household. But there is more here than meets the…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
121 reviews
Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen Experience

Killinchy

Address

52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3224

info@traceysfarmhousekitchen.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

In Tracey’s Kitchen, people make friends as well as bread. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and start mixing and kneading dough for the soda and wheaten breads you'll be learning to make - and then eating! - all in the comfort of Tracey's…

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Canoe and Cake

Killinchy

Address

52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7749 011 283

Type

Type:

Food Tour

A wellness experience and combines two experiences in one.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
232 reviews
Montalto Estate - Gardens Reawakened

Ballynahinch

Address

Spa Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9756 6100

info@montaltoestate.com

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

The wealth of gardens at Montalto Estate are a joy to visit any time of the year.

More Info